BRUSSELS, Belgium – Rwanda has officially closed its embassy in Brussels, Belgium, following a decision to sever diplomatic ties with its former colonial power.
The announcement, made by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations amid ongoing disputes over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement, the ministry confirmed the closure, emphasizing that the embassy will no longer provide consular services in Belgium.
“Following the severance of diplomatic relations with Belgium, decided on March 17, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to bring the following points to the public’s attention. The Rwandan Embassy in Brussels has closed its doors and will no longer provide consular services on Belgian territory,” the statement read.
Moving forward, Rwandan citizens residing in Belgium or requiring consular assistance will need to contact the Rwandan Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.
The ministry provided the embassy’s contact details for assistance, ensuring that Rwandan nationals in Europe still have access to necessary services.
Despite the diplomatic fallout, the Rwandan government sought to reassure Belgian nationals living in or traveling to Rwanda.
According to the ministry, Belgian citizens will continue to receive visas on arrival free of charge for a 30-day stay.
“The free movement of travelers and professionals continues as normal,” the statement noted, emphasizing that the decision does not disrupt bilateral people-to-people exchanges.
The diplomatic rift comes as Brussels has intensified its calls for European nations to sanction Rwanda over allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group in the DRC.
The group has been at the heart of the region’s ongoing conflict, which has drawn widespread international attention.
Rwanda, however, has consistently denied providing any backing to the M23.
On March 17, Kigali announced the decision to cut ties, accusing Belgium of “consistent undermining” in relation to the DRC crisis. Belgian diplomats in Rwanda were given 48 hours to leave the country.
Belgium, for its part, described Rwanda’s decision as “disproportionate” and vowed to respond.
The former colonial power’s strong stance on Rwanda’s alleged role in the DRC has fueled the discord, with Belgium often leading the charge for accountability and sanctions.
The fallout underscores the broader geopolitical complexities surrounding the conflict in the DRC, as well as the lingering sensitivities tied to colonial history.
While Rwanda’s move to sever ties signals its growing frustration with Western criticism, it also raises questions about the future of regional and international cooperation.
